Getting a full night’s sleep should be on everyone’s docket to achieve every single time they lay their head down. That is not the case for many whose schedule does not allow for it and for whom the full night’s rest is simply impossible due to many reasons. However you may look at it, there is something to be said about having a routine around getting up and going to bed that can help you fall asleep easier, and start the day with more energy, simply by doing one thing.
Addiction and Sleep
Falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up can be impaired by the use of drugs and alcohol. While you may fall asleep more quickly, the quality of sleep is not always good or you simply feel tired all day long. Sleep is important to overall brain and body health because it gives time for the systems to rest that have worked hard all day long. Sleeping at odd hours or staying up all night (sometimes for nights on end) can be detrimental to overall health in the long term. Drug and alcohol detox can wreak havoc on the body’s circadian rhythms as well, until the body has time to adjust to the new patterns in the body.
Make a Routine
One of the best ways to help yourself get motivated in the morning is to have a routine. When you have a morning and evening routine, you can get yourself motivated to do just about anything. It sets the tone for the day and lets you know that the day is going to start off right. Letting chaos ensue in the morning can only lead you to feel like you haven’t got a foothold on the day before it’s even begun. Some tips to make the routine work in your favor:
- Make your bed: without exception and without fail, the first thing many people who have a fresh start to the day do is make their bed. Even if it’s a quick, messy throw of covers over the mattress, tugging up of sheets, and fluffing of pillows, every bit matters
- Open or close the blinds and curtains: start the day with fresh sunshine or end it by closing up the curtains. This signals to your brain it is time to begin/end the day and helps get into the mood for what’s next
- Invest in a new mattress: if sleep doesn’t come easily, consider the last time you had a proper mattress. If it was longer than 7 years ago, the time is now to purchase a new mattress that may save your back (and your sleep)
- Turn off lights: any lights that interfere with sleep should be off at least thirty minutes prior to bed. This includes nightlights close to the bed at eye level, blue lights from electronics, and any lights from plugged in devices that may interfere with sleep
Recovery is about self care first and foremost. Taking care of yourself means you consistently seek opportunities to give yourself what you need mentally and physically to feel successful. Setting up your bedroom where you spend the most time asleep should be a top priority. Whether it is making your bed, turning down the sheets, or dimming lights, be sure to set a routine that works for you and stick with it for up to a month. See how it changes your sleep habits for the better to engage with a healthy routine that will set you up for success now and down the road in recovery.
Recovery is hard but sleep routines should not be. We work to shift your body’s balance back closer to where it should be after detox and treatment for addiction. It takes time to get it in balance again but the key is to continue working towards this state little by little. If you are struggling in recovery or need help getting there, call us. We are located in beautiful Laguna Beach. Call us to find out how we can help you navigate addiction recovery: 888-981-4295
